Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of all life on Earth. It includes all the Earth’s habitats and the species that live in them, from the smallest micro-organisms to huge mammals like the blue whale.

Humans depend on biodiversity for food, fuel and other vital services, yet human activity is causing biodiversity to decline. As habitats are destroyed, as alien species are introduced into new areas, and as the planet warms, more and more species are coming under threat. Many of these species are studied by scientists at the Museum and are featured in the categories below.

Global warming is causing many habitats to change and seasons to arrive earlier or later than they used to. Find out about some of the species that are struggling to adapt to these changes and others that are taking advantage of them.

Humans depend on the natural world for food, fuel and other resources so any changes in our environment have an economic cost. Find out about agricultural pests and other species that damage local economies.